SUnRISE project to upgrade SU’s financial processes

On Feb. 26, Business, Finance, and Administrative Services (BFAS) and the Office of Budget and Planning launched a campus-wide initiative to revamp the University’s financial processes and systems for potential integration within PeopleSoft. Computing and Media Services and the national consulting firm BearingPoint are also participating in the project, which supports the long-term financial services vision of BFAS by providing “seamless, efficient, and secure access to the services managed by BFAS, wherever and whenever needed.” The project team has named the initiative “Syracuse University: Reach for Information, Strive for Excellence” (SUnRISE).

Louis Marcoccia, senior vice president for BFAS, is providing executive sponsorship for this project. Marcoccia, along with Ben Ware, vice president for research and computing, established a steering committee and have charged a project team with the responsibility of planning the implementation of software designed to provide all areas of the University with better access to the financial services managed by BFAS. Specifically, the team is evaluating the replacement of the University’s general ledger and related financial systems, and upgrading the University’s purchasing and disbursements system.

During the project’s kickoff meeting, project manager Jessica White outlined a two-phased approach. The first phase involves developing a comprehensive project plan for implementing new software in a manner that promotes the aforementioned financial vision. This phase is underway and will be completed by May 15, 2003. Following approval of this plan by Marcoccia and the steering committee, the second phase of implementation will begin, with the goal of introducing new processes and tools that will provide the campus community with greater access to financial information during Fiscal Year 2005.

“The sponsors, steering committee, and project team are excited about the greater access to financial services that this project will provide for the schools, colleges, and departments of SU,” says White. “The team anticipates substantive improvements in the way services are currently delivered.” To date, several focus groups have been used to collect input from the campus and this effort will be expanded to identify additional opportunities for improvement.

Ongoing communications to the campus are planned throughout this project. Future communications will cover project updates, process and policy changes, and training. Members of the University committee are encouraged to visit the project’s Web site at http://bfasweb.syr.edu/sunrise or contact Nancy Bianchine at ncbianch@syr.edu or Kevin Daly at kmdaly@syr.edu.

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